Montreal QC ☕ The morning chat
Good morning, Montreal.
We start the day with a major fire in Saint-Michel, a bike safety story that raises questions, and news from Quebec’s political scene. There’s also a bit of culture, a reminder about maple syrup, and a look at what’s happening elsewhere in the country.
Main Story
Five-alarm fire draws about 150 firefighters to Saint-Michel
Around 150 Montreal firefighters responded to a five-alarm blaze at the corner of Crémazie East and Saint-Michel boulevards in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood. The Montreal Fire Safety Service (SSIM) deployed heavy resources to fight the fire. Details on the cause and any injuries are not yet available.
In Our Neighbourhood
19-year-old Montrealer recovering from serious injuries after swerving to avoid an e-scooter
Shawn John David, a 19-year-old Montrealer, is recovering from serious injuries after falling off his bike while trying to avoid an electric scooter coming the other way on a bike path in Hochelaga. The incident happened on October 11 on Notre-Dame Street, near Sicard and Louis-Payette streets. David says the scooter rider was speeding and not staying in their lane. Blinded by the headlights, he lost control and hit a tree, snapping his bike in two. The scooter rider kept going.
His mother, Karine David, says she feared the worst when she arrived: her son was unconscious. She notes the family is hitting limits on compensation because no motor vehicle was involved. According to her, the SAAQ would only step in if a car had struck her son, and the crime victims’ assistance program (IVAQ) also has restrictions. Police reportedly said the incident would not be treated as a hit-and-run because there was no contact between the two cyclists.
Jean-François Rheault, CEO of Vélo Québec, calls the Notre-Dame bike path “one of the worst in Montreal” and is calling for better collision data to assess the risks posed by different types of vehicles.
Seven more arrests in break-in attempts in the Sud-Ouest
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) has announced the arrest of seven additional suspects linked to attempted break-ins at a residence in the Sud-Ouest, which has been targeted repeatedly this year.
Five men and two women, aged 17 to 34, were arrested last Thursday in Montreal, Longueuil, and Toronto. Four of them, including two minors, have appeared in court and face charges of conspiracy, break and enter, and attempted kidnapping. The other three have been released while the investigation continues.
In total, ten suspects have now been arrested in connection with this residence. The incidents date back to January, March, and October, with attempted intrusions, gunshots, and break-ins.
To Remember
Alberta chooses to stay in Canada
Albertans have voted by a wide margin to remain in Canada, according to unofficial referendum results. Question 10, which asked about the province’s future, drew more than 75% support for the “stay a province of Canada” option.
Premier Danielle Smith said she was “very happy” with the outcome, saying Albertans chose “a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.” Results were slow to come in because about a hundred polling stations opened late.
PLQ takes oath without mentioning the King
The 40 members of the Quebec Liberal Party, elected in the October 5 general election, were sworn in Monday at the National Assembly, without mentioning the King. Leader Charles Milliard said “the PLQ is back,” but “the rebuilding is not finished.”
Pascal Paradis named Quebec’s chief negotiator
Former Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis has been appointed chief negotiator and diplomat for Quebec by the incoming PQ government.
Quebec’s maple syrup reserves nearly depleted
According to a new report, Quebec’s strategic maple syrup reserve is almost empty due to high demand for the product.
Stellantis workers vote overwhelmingly in favour of strike mandate
Unifor has announced that 97.3% of members who voted over the weekend are in favour of a strike mandate, if needed.
Practical Corner
A crystal flute show not to be missed
On Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m., the Joseph-Rouleau Hall (305 Mont-Royal East) hosts “The Emperor’s New Flute,” a show exploring the link between Lizzo, Napoleon, and a 200-year-old crystal flute. Tickets are $65.23 ($33.28 for students).
Favourite
Shawn John David’s story and his family’s ordeal highlight an often-overlooked side of road safety: victims of incidents involving non-motorized vehicles can find themselves without recourse. Their fight for answers and compensation is a reminder that safety on our bike paths is a collective responsibility, and every voice matters in making things better.
To Close
We wish you a day full of discoveries, whether you’re exploring reader-awarded art galleries or letting yourself be surprised by an original show. And if you cross paths with an electric scooter, remember: caution is key, for you and for others. ☕